California voters back proposition 36 for stricter penalties on repeat offenders and fentanyl crimes

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A recent poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies shows that 60% of likely California voters support Proposition 36, a measure on the November ballot that would impose harsher penalties for repeat offenders and crimes involving fentanyl. Conducted between September 25 and October 1 with 3,045 respondents, the poll indicates a strong push for stricter law enforcement measures, especially against retail theft and the distribution of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Proposition 36 aims to deliver tougher sentences for repeat offenders, but many voters also emphasized the importance of rehabilitation. According to the poll, 86% of those surveyed believe California should prioritize expanding rehabilitation and treatment for first-time offenders as a means to improve the criminal justice system.

Despite its focus on tougher penalties, Proposition 36 has drawn opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leadership. They argue that the proposition takes a more punitive approach, which in the past led to overcrowded state prisons. Republican and independent voters, however, showed strong support for the measure, with men and women backing it in nearly equal numbers.

In addition to Proposition 36, voters will consider several other ballot measures, including Proposition 32, which seeks to raise the state minimum wage to $18 by 2025, and Proposition 33, which would expand local governments' authority to implement rent control.